Sorry, I Refuse

The game had just ended, and Li Chen had already slipped away. When Alvin Gentry excitedly came looking for his star player to attend the post-game press conference, he found himself empty-handed once again.

This left Gentry with mixed feelings. He could only attend the press conference himself, wondering how he would answer if reporters asked why Li Chen wasn't there.

Kobe Bryant did not attend the Lakers' post-game press conference.

He could accept losing due to the opponent's skill, but losing to sheer luck? Honestly, the Black Mamba felt a deep sense of injustice.

So, he decided to practice, silently vowing, Is luck really that powerful? Then I'll train until even luck can't stop my moves.

At the Lakers' post-game press conference, Shaquille O'Neal, a towering figure, sat beside Phil Jackson.

At this moment, a reporter asked, "Mr. O'Neal, what do you think of the performance of the Clippers' 'Eastern Star,' Li Chen, today?"

Upon hearing the question, O'Neal covered his large bald head with both hands, looking as if he were questioning the very nature of existence.

"Oh! God! Can you imagine the nightmare I went through? That damn kid from the East, no matter how I defended him, that scoundrel could still make the shot. So I got angry, I took him down, and then, as you saw, I was ejected." O'Neal shrugged.

O'Neal's exaggerated tone turned the post-game press conference into a comedy show, making the reporters burst into laughter.

O'Neal continued, "The most infuriating thing is, even after I knocked that scoundrel to the ground, he still made the shot. Can you understand that maddening, desperate feeling?"

A scene flashed through everyone's minds, and their lips twitched. Yes, it was indeed desperate.

"Oh, God! At that moment, I truly felt like I was playing basketball against God's own son."

Hearing O'Neal's exaggerated delivery, the reporters erupted in laughter again.

Phil Jackson was somewhat speechless. Classic Shaq! Turning a post-game press conference into a stand-up routine, only you could do that.

"Mr. O'Neal, what are your thoughts on the next derby?" a reporter asked, finally getting to the point.

"Oh! As long as God abandons him, victory will belong to us Lakers."

Bill Duffy had also watched this game. He had been stunned by Li Chen's various unconventional shots at the time.

Even now, he felt as if he were dreaming.

"This is an unrepeatable miracle!" Bill Duffy murmured to himself.

Bill Duffy paused for a moment. Miracle? That's a gimmick! It can greatly enhance Li Chen's fame back home, attracting the attention of businessmen. That's how he'll make big money!

And so, after a series of strategic moves by Bill Duffy, Li Chen's fame gradually spread across the various states of America.

Just as Bill Duffy finished this matter, he received an unknown phone call.

When he answered, he heard a polite male voice ask, "May I speak with Mr. Bill Duffy, Li Chen's agent?"

"Yes, who is this?"

"Heh heh! I forgot to introduce myself. I am Tao Wen, a representative from Li Ning Sports Goods Company in China. I'm here to discuss an endorsement deal with Mr. Bill Duffy."

The reason they approached Bill Duffy for an endorsement was that Li Chen's performance that night perfectly matched their company's slogan: "Anything is possible."

Hearing this, Bill Duffy was stunned for a moment, then broke into a charming smile. He hadn't expected an endorsement so soon.

After a brief general chat with Tao Wen, he hung up and called Li Chen.

To his frustration, however, Li Chen's phone was turned off. It seemed he would have to find "Chen" tomorrow.

Li Chen's recent performances had also made fans back home aware of his existence.

Meanwhile, Li Chen, unaware that his phone had run out of battery, was enthusiastically examining his newly acquired skill.

[Miracle Shot]

[Level: D-rank.]

[Experience: 0/1,000,000]

[Description: Grants the host a 10% chance to make a shot after a failed attempt (Note: Excludes airballs.)]

When Li Chen saw that it required 1,000,000 experience points to level up, he couldn't help but grin.

That's a lot! I need to figure out how to make money.

Although the Miracle Shot skill could gain experience through shooting, the rate of improvement was incredibly slow.

First, you had to break through the defense to even attempt a shot, and second, you couldn't intentionally miss, which greatly increased the difficulty. So, Li Chen decided against grinding for experience this way; it was just too much.

He then picked up the ball and continued practicing three-pointers to gain experience.

Relying on the magical effects of the functional drink, Li Chen trained until past midnight. He unknowingly fell asleep on the floor again.

The next day, Li Chen was woken up by Bill Duffy.

Li Chen once again successfully got a free meal from Bill Duffy.

Bill Duffy then said, "Chen, a major sports apparel company from your country wants to offer you an endorsement deal."

Hearing this, Li Chen was slightly taken aback, followed by excitement. He was in dire need of money, and now a company was coming to him for an endorsement.

Li Chen quickly swallowed the food in his mouth and eagerly asked, "Which company, and how much is the endorsement fee?"

Bill Duffy smiled slightly, thinking, I thought you weren't interested in money.

His thoughts returning to the present, Bill Duffy said, "They're offering 8 million for five years. What do you think?"

Li Chen thought about it and nodded. He was very satisfied with the price. After all, he didn't have much fame yet, so this price was already a premium.

Li Chen casually asked, "Which company?"

He was curious, which domestic company had such foresight?

"Li Ning."

Li Chen was slightly taken aback, then his brow furrowed.

Seeing this, Bill Duffy looked surprised. "Chen, is there a problem?"

Li Chen let out a long breath, apologizing with a contrite expression. "Sorry, Bill Duffy, I don't want to do this endorsement."

Bill Duffy's eyes widened in disbelief. "Chen, why is that?"

Bill Duffy couldn't understand Li Chen, truly couldn't.

He had been so happy and expectant just now; how could his attitude change so drastically upon hearing the company's name?

Of course, Li Chen wouldn't tell Bill Duffy that this company would later turn national humiliation into a trend.

He then shook his head and said, "In any case, I apologize this time. I'll make it up to you later."

After all, this was an endorsement Bill Duffy had worked hard to find. Li Chen turning it down made him feel a bit awkward, as Bill Duffy also needed to make money.

Of course, if Li Chen had known this sponsorship was coming to him proactively, he wouldn't have offered compensation.

At this point, Bill Duffy also recovered from his surprise and confusion. He shook his head. "Chen, you don't have to be like this. Whether you accept an endorsement or not is your right."

Although Bill Duffy said this, he felt very good about Li Chen's words. After all, who wouldn't want to be respected?

Bill Duffy then chatted with Li Chen for a while longer. Just as the two were about to leave, Bill Duffy's phone rang.